Laser-Welded Connector Assembly for Precise Signal Contact Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies for high-speed applications, such as the H-MTD system, face challenges in achieving accurate and secure connections between male and female signal contacts and between signal contacts and cable conductors, while maintaining signal integrity and mechanical stability.

Innovation Solution

The connector assembly comprises an elongated inner signal contact with a tube-like connection portion and a funnel-shaped end section, embedded in an insulating element with aligned welding openings, allowing for precise alignment and secure connection through laser welding, and featuring a design that ensures correct guidance and secure connection of male and female signal contacts and cable conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional connector assembly methods are used, then assembly is simpler, but connection accuracy and data transmission reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the positions of welding openings in the insulating element and alignment features on signal contacts before assembly. The insulating element includes pre-formed welding openings that guide the alignment of multiple components, ensuring precise positioning during assembly without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during the assembly process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and connection methods with laser welding technology. Instead of relying on mechanical tolerances and manual alignment, the invention uses laser welding to create precise, permanent connections between conductors, signal contacts, and the insulating element, significantly improving connection accuracy while maintaining assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If connector dimensions are reduced for miniaturization, then device size decreases, but mechanical stability and connection security worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures by combining the insulating element with integrated reinforcement features. The insulating element is constructed as a composite structure that provides both electrical insulation and mechanical support, allowing the connector to maintain mechanical stability and connection security even as overall dimensions are reduced for miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If precise alignment features are added to ensure correct guidance, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating alignment features directly into the insulating element and signal contact structures themselves, rather than adding separate alignment mechanisms. The welding openings and alignment features are formed as integral parts of the components, combining multiple functions (alignment, insulation, connection) into unified structures that improve reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a more accurate and secure connection, ensuring high data transmission reliability and mechanical stability, while allowing for miniaturization and optimized dimensions for improved data transmission performance.

Implementation Method 1

The first welding opening and the at least one second welding opening are aligned in an assembled state of the connector assembly... allowing for precise alignment and secure connection through laser welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4391249B1Connector assembly and its assembling method
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4391249B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4391249B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4391249B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A connector assembly includes at least one elongated inner signal contact defining an axial direction and having a tube-like connection portion, wherein the tube-like connection portion defines a first welding opening. The connector assembly further includes an insulating element including a first insulating part and a second insulating part, wherein the first insulating part defines at least one elongated cavity designed to accommodate the at least one elongated inner signal contact and the second insulating part includes at least one second welding opening. The first welding opening and the at least one second welding opening are aligned in an assembled state of the connector assembly.